PM Modi ‘salute’ sportspersons on National Sports Day!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid his tributes to one of the greatest field hockey players of all time, Major Dhyan Chand and urged people to give priorities to sports and fitness related activities. The PM also lauded sportspersons on National Sports Day and said that this year has been great for Indian sports as country’s athletes have excelled in various tournaments, including in the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.

“I salute all those who have represented India in various sporting events. Their hard work and resolve has led to several milestones. This year has been great for our sporting fraternity, with the Indian athletes excelling in various tournaments including Asian Games 2018 and CWG,” Modi tweeted.

Every year on this day, Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards are conferred by the President of India to celebrate the achievements of exceptional athletes in the country. Though, this year, the date has been postponed to September 25 so the Indian athletes could return from Asian Games 2018 taking place in Indonesia.

Often called a ‘magician’ on the Hockey field, Dhyan Chand had such an aura that even German politician Adolf Hitler offered him money to play for Germany. The legend man is known for his extraordinary goal-scoring skills, and had won three Olympic gold medals during the time Indian hockey was the most dominant.